India Licensing Sector: Here’s what made headlines in 2018

The year 2018 has been quite an eventful one for the Indian Licensing Sector. The overall collection launch this year was better compared to the last year and the industry saw some major announcements that may have far-reaching implications in the future. So, as we are ready to welcome 2019, we take you through all big developments from the world of licensing this year.

Take a look:

Disney & Me stores make their India debut:

When it comes to reshaping the Indian licensing industry, Disney always remains the front-runner.

DLF Brands announced the opening of two Disney & Me stores in Noida and Gurugram through a licensing arrangement with Disney Consumer Products in India. The stores were located in Mall of India in Noida and Ambience Mall in Gurugram. Recently, foraying into the Financial Capital Mumbai, they also opened a store at Viviana Mall in Thane.

Unseasonal nature of the sales across big cities and small towns alike and a large portfolio of products at different price points have been helping steady growth of Chhota Bheem merchandise sales year-after-year.

Despite having all-time hit global cartoon characters such as Tom and Jerry, and Disney and Warner Bros for decades, Chhota Bheem is one of the very few Indian toon characters, which has been able to sell merchandise of this value.

The popularity of Chhota Bheem is not seasonal in nature and so is the demand for the merchandise.

How ‘Marvel Avengers’ mania grips India:

The much awaited ‘Avengers: The Endgame’ is scheduled to hit theatres around April 2019. This year, ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, which hit theatres on April 27 had created ripples not only among fans and followers but cashing in on the hypes were companies who released exclusively themed merchandises.

Acer released exclusive Infinity War special-edition notebooks. OnePlus 6 also released the limited-edition smartphone that comes with a price tag of Rs 44,999.

From Jack and Jones, Souled Store to Only, all released themed apparel collection.

The new kids’ show on the block was based on the brand value created by Singham franchise, starring Ajay Devgan. Dabur Red Paste has come onboard as the title sponsor of the show. The digital rights of the show have been sold to Netflix.

Reliance Entertainment venture Zapak had also launched ‘Little Singham’ mobile game. The game had already garnered over 3 million downloads and had clocked close to 50 million minutes and 67 million runs.

Here’s how FIFA contributes towards merchandising in India:

The FIFA fever gripped India, malls and merchandise stores across the country had kicked off the football season with curated menus, colorful team jerseys, and a lot more merchandises.

Not only apparels and fan-based merchandises, but even brands were also cashing on to add flavor to the football excitement. Globally renowned fashion brand Louis Vuitton had also unveiled the official Adidas match ball collection trunk and an officially licensed product collection.

Yedaz – Bollywood Madness by Shemaroo is the official Bollywood licensing and merchandising rights holder.

The brand has a presence in more than 15 different categories such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, mobile covers, cushions, and other exciting product line-ups.

Sabyasachi forays into the world of cosmetics with L’Oreal Paris:

The Indian ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee had forayed into the world of cosmetics with beauty giant L’Oreal Paris, working with actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for the 21-piece collection. The limited-edition ‘LorealParisxSabyasachi’ was available for sale online.

The products include lipsticks, mascara and eyeliner, and the prices range between Rs 600 – 1500.

Designer Manish Malhotra launches his first-ever makeup line

After dressing millions of women in his exquisite creations, ace designer Manish Malhotra forayed into the world of cosmetics after conquering the fashion segment. The designer had collaborated with premium European make-up brand MyGlamm to launch a new collection.

The collection is called ‘Manish Malhotra Haute Couture Makeup’.

With celebrity fitness trainer Deanne Panday’s daughter Alanna as Malhotra’s muse, the collection is for every woman who wants to feel ‘unapologetically glamorous’.